best bb keypad ever made (7290)

[oldfart]

I'm stuck in the stone age. I still use the bb 7290, not because it has useful features (it certainly does not), but because it still has the best keypad of any device I've seen, and its rugged like a tank! The keys are bigger and better-spaced than anything I've seen. I've been waiting for years in hope that RIM would eventually bring a new model to market with the same keypad as the 7290. I'd really love to get into the 21st century with features and applications. Why, why, why won't they do that?? In the meantime, I've bought a couple extra 7290's on ebay to have them as backup when my current one dies (every year, or two). Does anyone know if there are any plans, rumors about releasing a new device with the good ol' keypad? Thanks!!

[NJBlackBerry]

I think those days are over. The tank like 7290 won't be seen again. Try a Bold and see what you think.

[oldfart]

I like sleek, and I don't need a tank, but those keys! I tried the bold yesterday. The keys are still too close together. I had to put on my reading glasses

[NJBlackBerry]

That's a function of your eyes :) :) :) - I do the same thing. Did you try the 8900?

[oldfart]

LOL!! Sad but true. The 8900 is awesome, but keypad is the same as the bold. I'm sure I'll switch eventually (it's really not practical to use my 7290 for business - and my kids are embarrassed to be seen with me using it in public :-))). I keep hanging on, hoping they'll eventually release a new product with something like the old keypad

[MidnightDraven]

keyboard isnt the same as the bold!
although the space for the keyboard is slightly smaller on the 8900 than the bold, the keys on the 8900 are actually apart from one another, whereas the bold they are next to each.
also bold is plastic keys and the 8900 is more like rubber keys.

[akosnitzky]

Wirelessly posted (Its All About the U!)

7290 has a great keyboard. Although, I am happier with a track ball

[Cavi Mike]

keyboard isnt the same as the bold!
although the space for the keyboard is slightly smaller on the 8900 than the bold, the keys on the 8900 are actually apart from one another, whereas the bold they are next to each.
also bold is plastic keys and the 8900 is more like rubber keys.

Right, right, wrong. Keys are plastic on the 8900. The spacing doesn't help with mistyping either, I have small hands and I'm constantly hitting 2 keys, I never had that problem on my wider, unspaced 8800 keyboard.

[MidnightDraven]

oh they look more like rubber.
but fair enough.

[jbairdjr]

I must say that I could always type fastest on my 7250. And the battery life was the best.
But they are really ugly compared to my Storm :)
And the new features in the subsequent OS upgrades are reason enough to upgrade

[mwyarm]

For me I am still holding onto my 7103 because of the keyboard and the keys being spaced out. I cannot use any of the new ones because the keys are too small and too close together. It has all of the features and functions I need given it is usable from a keyboard perspective. I too wished RIM would recognize the keyboards are too small.

[Soxfan04]

Wirelessly posted

My favorite keyboard was the 8700 series. Might want to check those out. Still quite a few of them in use at my company. Have not seen anyone using a 7200 series in quite a while.